GOSHEN, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Building a national pretzel brand from steadfast Amish-roots has been
the key to growth for pretzel bakery Ben’s
Soft Pretzels, the fastest growing soft pretzel franchise in the
United States. Opening 27 new locations in the last year with more than
20 currently in development for 2016, the Indiana-based pretzel concept
is stepping up as a strong contender in the $124 billion snack industry.

Founded in 2008 by a local business man (Brian Krider), a pretzel
fanatic (Scott Jones), and an Amish baker (Ben Miller), the more than
60-unit franchise best known for its Amish-inspired proprietary recipe
is announcing its plans to partner with sophisticated buyers looking to
take on 10 or more units. Kicking off national expansion efforts, Ben’s
Soft Pretzels recently signed multiple deals to enter three new states:
Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio.

To add to the simplicity of owning and operating a Ben’s Soft Pretzels
franchise, the brand recently launched a partnership with Gordon Food
Service to create a national distribution system. As of mid-January, all
of the ingredients that a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchisee would need to
run the bakery now comes from the foodservice distributor, creating a
streamlined and cost-effective system. Executives also changed the
overall design of the bakery by adding brighter and bolder colors and
redesigned its internal training program.

“Since our early days, we’ve focused on creating a life-changing,
pretzel eating experience that’s unlike anything else,” said Brian
Krider, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Ben’s Soft Pretzels.
“The emotion connected to the first bite of a warm, salty Ben’s Soft
Pretzel is what led us to become the leader in the soft pretzel market.
Every day we’re turning dough into dough and honing our efforts in on
making excellent pretzels, displaying excellent pretzels, and selling
excellent pretzels.”

Charging forward full throttle, Ben’s Soft Pretzels is targeting markets
across the United States such as Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville,
Indianapolis, Chicago, and Northern Florida. With the goal to create
high-traffic real estate opportunities for prospective franchisees,
executives signed master lease agreements with Walmart and Meijer. In
2016 alone, Ben’s Soft Pretzels will open in eight Meijer superstores,
on track to be within every newly constructed location.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels is a quick-serve franchise opportunity that offers a
simple business model with prime real estate locations. With investment
levels ranging from $124,000-$308,000, executives are looking for
entrepreneurs who can commit to an entire market.

“Our business started with humble beginnings at a farmers market and
because of that we’re even more excited to see what we can accomplish by
adding qualified franchise partners to the Ben’s Soft Pretzels family,”
added Krider.

Nearly eight years ago, the founding trio came together to start a
pretzel business during the worst economy when unemployment was at 17
percent and malls were 60 percent unoccupied. Ben and his wife, 3rd
generation Amish bakers, perfected the Amish/Dutch dough recipe that is
used to this day in all Ben’s Soft Pretzels. The first Ben’s Soft
Pretzels bakery opened in 2008 in Concord Mall in Elkhart, Ind., and the
first franchise was awarded in 2013 on the same day they were legally
allowed to start selling.

Serving as a driving force of the brand, Ben’s Soft Pretzels partners
with Intrepid Fallen Heroes, a nonprofit providing support for the men
and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Last year, Ben’s Soft
Pretzels was able to donate $30,000 to the organization and hopes to top
that amount this year on National Pretzel Day (April 26) by giving away
free pretzels with a minimum donation of $1.

About Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Ben’s Soft Pretzels is the nation’s fastest growing soft pretzel
franchise with 60 locations in five states offering Amish-inspired
pretzels baked on-site daily. Founded in 2008 by local business man
Brian Krider, pretzel fanatic Scott Jones, and Amish baker Ben Miller,
Ben’s Soft Pretzels is a quick-serve franchise opportunity that offers a
simple business model with prime real estate locations and a
cost-effective distribution system. For more information about the
franchise opportunity, please visit www.benspretzelsfranchising.com.